Merle Norman Cosmetics vs SmartStyle Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merle Norman Cosmetics vs SmartStyle including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$149,430 - $305,200
Franchise Fee N/A$39,500
Royalty Fee 05%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19311996
Year Franchised 19892016
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment Yes/No-/-
Inventory Yes/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
Training Field training classes, field visits, advanced home office training and point-of-sale software training Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Online training On-The-Job Training: 5 hours Classroom Training: 25 hours
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchisee is allowed.

-

Expansion Plans
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoYes
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About Merle Norman Cosmetics

Even before she opened her first studio in Santa Monica in 1931, Merle Norman's philosophy of "Try Before You Buy" was being carried out as she offered free samples of her products to neighbors, hoping they'd discover the benefits and return as paying customers. And return they did. Many even opened their own studios and the company now has studios throughout the United States and Canada. Carrying on the Merle Norman tradition, franchisees now offer skin care, from cleansers and toners to sun defense, and a full line of cosmetics.

Veteran Incentives  $5,000 in inventory

"Entrepreneur
#366 in Franchise 500 for 2020.




About SmartStyle

With convenient locations in Walmart stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, SmartStyle is a full-service hair salon that provides the hairstyle you want at an affordable price, all in a welcoming and relaxing environment.  SmartStyle is proud to be part of Regis Corporation, the world's largest and leading hair salon company.


"Entrepreneur
#325 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#130 in Franchise 500 for 2021.